Sudbury police trim budget request, but increase still at 8%

The Greater Sudbury Police Service has reduced its budget for next year, but the increase still sits at more than eight per cent.

The police services board met Wednesday night and approved a $78-million budget for 2024, and $88 million for 2025.

City council tasked police with cutting back the original proposed budget increase of 10.6 per cent and almost two per cent was eliminated by removing money for a new headquarters, money for budgeted overtime and salary revisions.

The service says it's still proceeding with its plan to hire more officers and enhanced training to meet the policing needs in the city.

"We know our people want professional development, they want modern police services and we know we’ve got to deliver services with cultural competencies, with empathy,” said Chief Paul Pedersen.

“And you need training and education ... That budget stays strong, really helps us stay positive moving forward."

Police board chair Al Sizer said the public has made it clear it wants more boots on the ground.

“We need more police presence,” Sizer said.

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“We need police responding to different incidents, and rather than being a reactionary service, one that is more proactive, and that’s what encourages me the most."

The police budget will be presented to city council Nov. 15.